With a wave of a wand, the eastern portion of Van Vorst Park filled with bubbles – large, wet, heavy bubbles that rose briefly over the upturned faces of about three dozen kids before slowly sinking.

Some burst as small fingers tried to grasp the wavering shapes. Some bubbles the size of softballs sailed into the garden, bursting as they hit the leaves.

All drew giggles and laughs from the kids as they waited for the next wave of wand to release another barrage, many growing moist from constant contact on this warm evening in late July.

The slanted light from the sinking sun cast rainbow colors over some of the upturned faces as fingers reached to grasp the colorful orbs.

_____________ “We started about four years ago.” -- Mamja Singh____________

This was one of several such scenes scheduled for Jersey City parks during this summer. Earlier in the week, hundreds of kids chased bubbles in the Newport section, as hundreds are expected to do the same in Riverview Park in Jersey City Heights on Aug. 17.

Called a “Bubblefest,” these events are being brought to Jersey City Parks by a group called JC Families, said founder Mamja Singh.

“We started about four years ago,” she said.

In that short a time, the community group has garnered more than 2,500 families in and around Jersey City.

“We do event all over the city,” Singh said.

The community group hosts events year round. Most of their members are in Newport, Exchange Place, Hamilton Park and Grove Street, but the group does have members in Jersey City Heights, Columbia Street, even Hoboken.

Barbara Voveda is the marketing director for the group. JC Families always welcomes new members.

If you're an expectant or current parent, check out the website: http://www.JCFamilies.com/ Membership is free.